Sovereign Hill’s past CEO made Member of the Order

DOCTOR Jeremy Johnson has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to tourism and to the community of Ballarat.

Dr Johnson started at Sovereign Hill in 1995 and retired after 15 years’ service as CEO last year.

He describes himself as an Australian history buff so his position at Sovereign Hill was a perfect match.

“I love Sovereign Hill and my community so I am thrilled for the recognition,” he said.

“My wife Anne and I arrived in the Ballarat 30 years ago, to a warm welcome and embrace from the community, where we have raised our four daughters.

“Anne has been a great support throughout my career and I would like to recognise the help of my senior executive assistants at Sovereign Hill, Janelle Burns and Barbara Howes.”

His involvement with the community within local government, before moving to Sovereign Hill, saw him appointed as Shire Secretary and Treasurer for the Shire of Ballarat and the Shire of Ballan.

“When you work in local government it is not just about the position, it is more importantly about serving your community to the best of your ability,” he said.

Dr Johnson said the acknowledgement of his work in tourism and the community lends a gravitas to his ongoing endeavours in promoting these two important parts of Ballarat.

“The key to receiving this honour for me, is you can live and work in a regional setting and effectively contribute nationally and internationally.”

Dr Johnson is a life member of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council and was Chairman of the Tourism Excellence Working Group at Tourism Victoria from 2004 to 2016.

He also sat on the Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee Ballarat from 1986 and 2016 promoting the history of the monument.